In late 2020, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Richmond received a generous gift from New Hanover Church in Mechanicsville. After selling a piece of land, the church used a portion of the proceeds to purchase a 15-passenger van for IRC Richmond. IRC provides opportunities for refugees to thrive in America. Each year, thousands of
I worshipped with Campbell Memorial Church the day after the presbytery met. Jim Moseley was preaching on one of my favorite texts from Hebrews. Listen for God’s word: “Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as
By Rick Jones, Office of the General Assembly The co-moderators of the 224th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) say churches need to step out of their comfort zones to bridge the divide in race relations across the country. On February 1, Ruling Elder Elona Street-Stewart and the Rev. Gregory Bentley participated in a
The presbytery meeting will proceed as planned on Saturday, February 20. Presbytery of the James (POJ) will hold its 107th stated meeting on February 20 virtually using Zoom. This memo outlines the plans that have been developed and the steps that attendees should take to prepare for the meeting. General Meeting Information Agenda Overview Meeting
On February 1 at 6:00 p.m., the co-moderators of the 224th General Assembly (2020) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) visit Presbytery of the James virtually for a conversation on race and the Church. As the elected leaders of the denomination, Ruling Elder Elona Street-Stewart and Teaching Elder Gregory Bentley are on the front lines calling the
The year 2020 presented many challenges for us as individuals and as congregations. We are experiencing the effects of a pandemic, the challenges of economic and racial disparity throughout the world, and the stress of not being able to be together with friends and family and our communities of faith. The Presbytery has met virtually
Pastors and Stewardship leaders in small membership congregations are invited to join a cohort to discuss their unique Stewardship needs. The goal of this cohort is to identify some of the key Stewardship needs of our congregations, share ideas, and explore new opportunities and possibilities for how to meet those needs. The input and sharing
“How can we break bread and share the cup over the phone?” When I finished seminary 38 years ago, it was not possible for Presbyterians to imagine celebrating the Sacrament virtually. The first Sunday I celebrated the Lord’s Supper by teleconference with the First United Church congregation, I only had Wheat Thins and lemonade at
In early January, POJ’s Strategic Planning Team is hosting listening and feedback sessions on the plan they presented at the November 21 called meeting. The sessions will be held virtually via Zoom and audio conferencing. Please register for one or more sessions to share your thoughts. The team is excited to be in conversation with you
The called meeting of the Presbytery of the James was hosted virtually by Ginter Park Church in Richmond and Tuckahoe Church in Richmond. Ruling Elder Leigh Anne Ring (Salisbury), moderator, called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. and led the presbytery in prayer. The moderator welcomed ministers, educators, first-time ruling elder commissioners, corresponding members,